Old Dominion Freight Line vs UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division)
The best LTL carrier vs the best-paying feeder position. Old Dominion offers profit sharing and premium LTL. UPS feeder offers Teamsters wages and the highest total comp in driving.
Old Dominion Freight Line
- Pay
- $65,000 - $100,000+
- Fleet
- 10,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.5/5
UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division)
- Pay
- $80,000 - $120,000+
- Fleet
- 18,000+ tractor-trailers
- Rating
- 4.5/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Old Dominion Freight Line
ODFL pays $65K-$100K+ with profit sharing.
UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division)
UPS feeder earns $80K-$120K+ with overtime.
Home Time
Old Dominion Freight Line
City daily; linehaul weekly.
UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division)
Home daily on hub-to-hub routes.
Benefits
Old Dominion Freight Line
Profit sharing, 401(k), stock purchase.
UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division)
Teamsters health, pension, overtime, stock -- best in trucking.
Training/Support
Old Dominion Freight Line
1 year required. Selective.
UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division)
Almost exclusively filled internally from package car.
Equipment/Technology
Old Dominion Freight Line
Modern fleet, 250+ terminals.
UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division)
Massive, well-maintained fleet.
Where they actually differ
The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.
Old Dominion Freight Line
- Founded
- 1934
- Fleet
- 10,000+ tractors
- Drivers
- 11,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- North Carolina, Virginia and Texas
Old Dominion is consistently rated as the top LTL carrier in the industry for service quality. The company has over 250 service centers nationwide and is known for excellent driver compensation and a strong safety record.
Only Old Dominion Freight Line is strong in: North Carolina, Virginia and Texas — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Old Dominion Freight Line and not by UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division)
- • Industry-leading LTL compensation
- • Profit sharing and 401(k)
- • Full health, dental, and vision
- • Company stock purchase plan
- • Home daily for city drivers
UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division)
- Founded
- 1907
- Fleet
- 18,000+ tractor-trailers
- Drivers
- 15,000+ (feeder/CDL positions)
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, Dedicated
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A (internal promotion common)
- Strongest states
- Georgia, Kentucky and New Jersey
UPS operates one of the largest private tractor-trailer fleets in the U.S. through its package and freight divisions. UPS CDL drivers — known as feeder drivers — transport trailers between UPS hubs, sort facilities, and rail yards. These positions are highly sought-after due to Teamsters union representation, top-tier pay, and exceptional benefits. Most feeder drivers are promoted from within UPS, though external CDL hires are also brought on.
Only UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division) is strong in: Georgia, Kentucky and New Jersey — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division) and not by Old Dominion Freight Line
- • Teamsters union representation
- • Industry-leading health and pension benefits
- • Overtime pay after 8 hours
- • Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days
- • UPS stock purchase plan
Our Verdict
UPS feeder pays more but is nearly impossible to get without years of UPS package car experience. Old Dominion is accessible with 1 year CDL experience and pays exceptionally well with profit sharing. For realistic career planning, target Old Dominion. For the ultimate driving job, UPS feeder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just apply to UPS feeder?
External hiring is rare. Most feeder spots go to UPS package car drivers with seniority.
Is ODFL the more realistic target?
Yes. With 1 year CDL experience, you can apply to Old Dominion. UPS feeder requires a different path.
Which has better retirement?
UPS with Teamsters pension. ODFL's profit sharing + stock purchase is also excellent.